The topic of home security is very important for many homeowners; unfortunately, this topic is also one that many people aren’t fully aware of. You should do more research on home security and learn about the different systems available. Keep reading to get some useful advice on making your home safe.

It’s important to comparison shop for alarm systems. Prices vary significantly, even for similar levels of protection. Before choosing which company to go with, ask for quotes from a minimum of three companies.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. If you lose your keys, you should do the same thing.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. Above a door frame or under a mat are not smart ideas. You should hide it in your dog’s collar.

Avoid opening the door if you don’t know who is standing on the other side. People you do not know could have bad intentions or want to get an idea of how many valuable objects you own. Make it a habit to only open your home’s door to people you were expecting.

Buy fire resistant flooring, roofing and ceiling. This will help you protect your home under all circumstances. Stopping fire hazards is a key precaution to take since the damage it causes can be considerable.

Your garage should be as secure as your home. Lots of folks are concerned about burglars gaining access to the garage and then the home, but this can be addressed. Simply attach a C-clamp near the roller on the door track.

If there are people you don’t know that have access to your social media sites, then you don’t want to let all of them know you’re on vacation. While these platforms are there for sharing, this is announcing to the world that your home is an open target.

In the summer, remove all the dead trees from your yard. These could catch on fire during the summer, especially if you live in a dry area. Clearing your yard keeps your home, belongings and family much safer.

See what your local police department offers in terms of home protection programs. The police can offer you some great advice, help you engrave valuables and even come check out your home. Speak with the police in your area to see if they have these things.

Speak with the police in your town regarding the home security programs they have. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. Ask your police department to see if these types of programs are available.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. Open curtains allow people to see inside your home and see exactly what you have. Blinds are a great way to allow the light in, without allowing people to see in at the same time.

You can hide certain valuables within your walls. It’s not necessary to cut out parts of your wall to do this. Instead, you can use the small spaces that are already there. Consider unwiring an electrical socket that isn’t used and storing your valuable jewelry.

The wiring on your house is valuable to burglars. Many people do not realize this until a crook steals it off of their home. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home. Make sure your wiring is hidden or hard to access to keep this valuable property safe.

Don’t hide an extra key under a rock or in a planter. While it may seem like a convenient way to give you access to your home, intruders are aware of this practice. Rest assured, thieves have a good idea about these hiding places. A better option is to entrust an honest neighbor with a spare key.

Screen the references of anyone who would have access to your house. You should do a background check as well to find out their criminal history. You can never be certain if the contractor, repairman, maid, etc. that you hire to do services in your home is honest. If you let these people in without knowing anything about them, you could experience significant losses.

Alter the locks and the keys when you change homes. Although it’s normal for owners / tenants to surrender their keys when they leave, there’s no way of knowing who else might have copies. You can do your own installation to make sure that no one else has a key.

A simple way to increase your home security is to add motion lights around the house. These lights not only give off light at night, but can also offer security around your home. If strategically placed, motion detectors ensure that it’s difficult for intruders to break into your home sight unseen.

Before allowing anyone into your home, check their references carefully. Check if they have any history of criminal activity. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.

A good way to scare off intruders is to keep your house lit at nighttime. Burglars don’t want to be visible. It makes it look like you are home and makes it difficult for thieves to hide. Make sure the lights stay on to keep your home safe.

You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. Cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, these lights really add value to your home. If the lights are positioned correctly on your home, then it makes it much less likely for a burglar to enter.

See how long the home security company has been around before you make any decisions. Companies that have been around for years have shown that they know the industry and that their services are reliable and great enough for recommendations. You can feel confident when you choose a well established, reputable home security company.

A good way to scare off intruders is to keep your house lit at nighttime. Most burglars rely on concealment to approach a home. When your home is lit well, the crooks have nowhere to hide, making it difficult for them to steal from you undetected. So keep those lights on at night for a secure home.

If someone looks after your house when you’re gone, have them remove fliers from the door. Sometimes burglars leave fliers in an attempt to see if anyone is home to remove them. If the flier is not removed, it’s easy for a burglar to suspect that the owner is away.

Whenever seeking out home-security companies, the Internet can be a valuable resource, so utilize it. Research the possibilities, check out package options and pricing and analyze customer feedback. With this information, you can contact the companies you feel comfortable with and compare the rates to each other.

Can you read your house numbers clearly from the street? If an emergency occurs, the police will not be able to find your home as quickly if these numbers are too small or are obscured in some way. Happily, it’s quick and easy to fix this problem.

Research how long a security company has been in the business before contracting with them. Companies that have been around for awhile show that they can provide reliable support. Whenever you know you aren’t doing business with a fly-by-night company, you will be more assured your home is protected.

A dog is an excellent burglar alarm. Dogs become extremely protective of their families and bark when uneasy. You don’t even need a huge, vicious dog. Any size dog will drive criminals away, as the barking will be too much noise for them to be stealthy.

Request that prospective security firms design a system specifically for your home. Every homeowner has specific needs for their home and their family. If you have found a company that could cater to your needs, then it is easy to get the security that will make you and your loved ones comfortable.

Ask about different contract lengths that your home security company may offer. Each likely has its benefits and drawbacks. While your monthly rates may be lower with a lengthy contract, you have no recourse should you list your home for sale or terminate your contract. With a shorter contract, you will have a greater level of flexibility. The downside is you will also have larger monthly bills.

Most people understand the critical role home security plays in our everyday lives. Many feel lost when it comes to choosing a home security system. Hopefully, the tips included above will help you move toward a more secure lifestyle.

Don’t get spring latch locks. These locks are easy to pick, and it can be done with an ordinary credit card. A thief only needs to skip the credit card in between the lock to make it open. If your doors sport spring latch locks, add deadbolts to beef up security.